Toxics Use and Hazardous Waste Reduction (TUHWR)  

Planning and Reporting

The information and links provided on this page help an Oregon business fully meet the TUHWR requirements that can benefit employees’ health and the environment.

If your business recently received an official electronic e-mail notice from DEQ, you may want to start by reading the Background resources or just start by going in order through the four steps below. Otherwise, if you are well into complying with the requirements, you can:

• Begin reporting now, LOG IN.
• Background resources

Step 1 - Develop a Reduction Plan or Environmental Management System (EMS)

You can either develop a Reduction Plan or an EMS that is ISO 14001-certified or equivalent – your choice. Please do not submit your Plan or EMS to DEQ unless you have made prior arrangement with DEQ staff.

• TUHWR Planning: Reduction plan questions and answers (coming soon)
  If you are new to the TUHWR Program and are getting ready to prepare a Reduction Plan, we recommend you read these answers to the 10 most commonly-asked questions by businesses.
• TUHWR plan template DOC
  An easy-to-follow outline for businesses developing a plan for the first time.
• Top 10 elements in an EMS PDF
  Checklist of 10 essential elements to have in an ISO 14001-certified or equivalent EMS. Note: An EMS does not require certification to be valid under Oregon TUHWR law.
• Planning and Reduction Ideas  PDF
  Links to several Web sites that can help you develop an EMS and get ideas to reduce toxics use and hazardous wastes.

Step 2 – Submit a Notice of Plan Completion or EMS Completion electronically

After completing a Plan or EMS within 120 days of receiving the official e-mail from DEQ to start the process, you need to LOG IN to the reporting system and submit an electronic Notice of Plan or EMS form.

• TUHWR Reporting, LOG IN.

Step 3 – Submit two Implementation Summaries electronically

A year after the Notice of Plan or EMS is due, you must LOG IN and submit the first Implementation Summary. The Second Implementation Summary is due a year later.

• TUHWR Reporting, LOG IN.
• TUHWR Reporting: Implementation summary questions and answers PDF
  Answers to the 10 most commonly-asked questions about TUHWR Implementation Summary requirements
• TUHWR Reporting: Implementation Summary examples PDF
  Examples of a complete and accurate Implementation Summary. DEQ does review each Summary for accuracy and thoroughness before posting to the Internet.
• TUHWR Reporting: Guide sheet to an Implementation Summary PDF
  A step-by-step guide for preparing an on-line Implementation Summary

Step 4 - Update Reduction Plan or EMS when changes occur and keep it on site.

The law requires businesses to keep the Reduction Plan or EMS current and on site. DEQ recommends revisiting the Reduction Plan or EMS annually to ensure it is current. If your business has made additional reductions, you may LOG IN and submit a Supplemental Implementation Summary.

• TUHWR Reporting, LOG IN.
• TUHWR compliance checklist PDF
  Easy-to-use checklist to verify compliance with the TUHWR Program requirements. Excellent tool for businesses new to the program and for those with well-established toxics use and hazardous waste reduction programs!

Resources

• On-line reporting system and related technology questions.
  Chris Pickens, Portland, 503-229-6352, toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011 (extension 6352).
• General TUHWR Program questions.
  David Livengood, Portland, 503-229-5181, toll-free in Oregon at 1-800-452-4011 (extension 5181).
• For help developing a plan, completing an implementation summary or getting on-site assistance.
  • Technical assistance

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